Criminal Records reveal an individual’s interactions with law‑enforcement and the courts, listing arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing details. In St Louis County MO criminal records, each entry ties a name or case number to an offense classification such as felony, misdemeanor, or traffic violation. The public can view St Louis County MO criminal records online through the county’s official database, which aggregates arrest information, criminal charge records, and case disposition data. Searches may be performed by name, date of birth, or case number, enabling researchers to trace a St Louis County MO criminal case history from the initial booking to final judgment. All entries reside in the St Louis County MO criminal record database, which supports secure public queries. Because these records are maintained by the St Louis County MO criminal record database, they reflect updates from the police department, the prosecutor’s office, and the courts, ensuring that the St Louis County MO criminal record information remains current for users seeking reliable data when conducting background checks or legal research.
Criminal Records searches in St Louis County MO can target specific criteria such as a person’s name, date of birth, or a unique case number, delivering precise St Louis County MO criminal records by name or by case number. The St Louis County MO criminal records request may involve an online form that yields a certified copy of the St Louis County MO criminal record lookup, complete with arrest history, conviction records, and sentencing information. The St Louis County MO criminal record database integrates data from the police department, court system, and corrections agency. For those needing a St Louis County MO criminal records search by date of birth, the system cross‑references the fingerprint index to reduce duplicate matches and to confirm identity. Users also have the possibility to request St Louis County MO public criminal records that list felony records, misdemeanor charges, and pending criminal cases, while sealed or expunged entries remain hidden under state law. When a St Louis County MO criminal case record is retrieved, the report details the offense classification, court case number, and case disposition, offering a clear view of the criminal case status for employers, attorneys, and private investigators.
How to Search Criminal Records
You can search criminal records through official government databases that keep arrest and court data. The st louis county MO Police Department runs the Central Police Records service, which lets you look up cases by name, date of birth, or case number. The records show what happened to a person in the criminal justice system, from arrest through final court action. You can use this service for background checks, legal research, or personal knowledge about a court case.
The search system pulls data from police reports, court filings, and corrections files. Each search returns a list of cases that match your search terms. You can click on each case to see the full record details. The system refreshes daily as new court orders and arrest reports come in.
Official Search Portal https://www.stlouiscountypolice.com/resources-services/records-and-permits/central-police-records-services/ Steps to Search
- Open the Central Police Records page on the St Louis County Police Department website.
- Pick the search type you need from name, date of birth, or case number.
- Type the person’s full legal name or the case number into the search box.
- Review the results list for matches and click on the record you want to read.
- Save or print the report for your records, or send a request for a certified copy.
Search by Name
A name search looks for all criminal records tied to a specific full name. You need the last name and first name to start the search. Adding a middle name helps narrow the results. The system shows all arrests, charges, and court outcomes that match the name you typed.
Search by Date of Birth
You can use a date of birth search to find one person when many people share the same name. The system cross-references the birth date with arrest and court records to show only that one person. This search type cuts down on wrong matches. It also helps confirm the identity of the person you are looking up.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives you one specific criminal case file. Each court case has a unique number that the court clerk assigns when charges are filed. You can find this number on court papers, a summons, or older police records. This search shows the full history of that single case, from arrest to final judgment.
Search by County or Jurisdiction
Criminal records stay with the county where the arrest or court action took place. St Louis County MO records cover cases within the county limits. Cases from the city of St. Louis sit in a separate court system. You must search the right county to find the records you need.
Facts Needed for a Search
You need basic facts about the person or case to start a search. A full name, date of birth, or case number gives the best results. The more details you have, the fewer wrong matches appear. Helpful facts include the arrest year, charge type, and the court where the case was heard.
- Full legal name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number from court papers
- Approximate arrest date
- Charge type or offense description
| Search Method | What You Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Name Search | First and last name | Broad lookups |
| Date of Birth Search | Full name plus DOB | Same name matches |
| Case Number Search | Court case number | One specific case |
| County Search | County name | Jurisdiction check |
St Louis County MO Criminal Record Details
Each criminal record shows key facts about a person’s contact with the criminal justice system. The record ties the person to the arrest, the charge, the court, and the final outcome. The police department builds the record when the arrest happens. The court adds case data as the case moves through the system.
Records can show past and current cases. Older cases may have been closed for years, while new cases still sit in court. The record lists the arrest date, the agency that made the arrest, and the officer’s name on the report. The court case number ties the arrest to the court file.
Person Identification
The record starts with the person’s full legal name and date of birth. It also lists any known aliases, nicknames, or previous names. Height, weight, and eye color may appear on older records. The system uses these facts to match the person to the right case file.
Arrest Date and Agency
Each criminal record shows the date the person was arrested. It also shows the name of the police agency that made the arrest. The arrest report number ties the arrest to the police file. You can see if the arrest happened in St Louis County or by another agency.
Criminal Charges
The record lists each charge filed against the person. Charges come from the prosecutor’s office after they review the arrest. The charge description uses the state statute number and a plain language summary. You can see the date the charge was filed and the court where it was filed.
Offense Classification
Missouri law sorts crimes into felony, misdemeanor, and infraction classes. A felony is the most serious class and can lead to prison time. A misdemeanor is less serious and leads to fines or jail time up to one year. An infraction is the least serious class and usually leads to a fine only.
| Offense Class | Examples | Possible Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Burglary, drug trafficking, assault | 1 year to life in prison |
| Misdemeanor | Petty theft, simple assault, DUI | Up to 1 year in jail |
| Infraction | Traffic tickets, minor code violations | Fine only |
Case Number and Court
Every case in St Louis County gets a unique case number from the court clerk. The case number stays with the case through every step of the process. The record shows which court heard the case, such as the St Louis County Circuit Court. The court name tells you the level and location of the case.
Disposition
The disposition is the final outcome of the case. It shows whether the person was found guilty, not guilty, or had the case dismissed. A guilty plea, trial conviction, or dismissal all show up on the record. The disposition date tells you when the court reached the final outcome.
Sentence
If the person was convicted, the record lists the sentence the court gave. The sentence may include jail time, prison time, probation, or a fine. The record shows the length of the sentence and any conditions set by the judge. Probation terms and court-ordered programs also show on the record.
Types of Criminal Records
Criminal records fall into different types based on the charge and outcome. Each type shows a different stage of the criminal justice process. The police department keeps arrest records. The court keeps case records. The corrections agency keeps incarceration records.
You may need to search different types of records based on your goal. A background check often needs arrest and disposition records. A court case lookup needs the full case file. A sentencing search needs the court order and corrections data.
Felony Records
Felony records cover the most serious crimes under Missouri law. These records show charges like murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. Felony cases go through the circuit court in St Louis County. A felony conviction can lead to prison time of one year or more.
Misdemeanor Records
Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes like petty theft or simple assault. These records show charges that carry up to one year in jail. Misdemeanor cases also go through the circuit court. Fines and probation are common sentences for misdemeanor convictions.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show every time the police took a person into custody. The record lists the arrest date, location, and the officer who made the arrest. The arrest record also shows the charge at the time of booking. The case may still be pending or already closed by the court.
Conviction Records
Conviction records show every time a person was found guilty of a crime. The conviction can come from a guilty plea or a trial verdict. The record shows the conviction date, the charge, and the sentence. Conviction records stay on file even after the sentence ends.
Pending Case Records
Pending case records show cases that have not reached a final outcome yet. The person may be waiting for trial, plea deal, or other court action. These records update as the case moves through the court. Pending cases can change to dismissed or convicted at any time.
Dismissed Case Records
Dismissed case records show cases where the court dropped the charges. The prosecutor or the judge may ask for a dismissal. A dismissal means the person was not found guilty. The dismissal reason appears on the court order and the record.
Historical Records
Historical records cover cases from many years ago. These records may sit in paper files or older computer systems. The police archives hold records for closed cases. You can request older records through the records department or the court clerk.
Criminal Record Status
Criminal records have a status that shows where the case sits in the legal process. The status changes as the case moves through each step. Residents can also access official case information to verify current details. You can see the current status when you pull a record. The status also tells you if the case is open, closed, or sealed.
Active Cases
Active cases are cases that the court is still working on. The court has not reached a final outcome yet. Active cases can have hearings, motions, or trials still ahead. The record updates each time the court takes a new step.
Pending Cases
Pending cases are waiting for a court date or a final decision. The person may be out on bond or in jail waiting for trial. Pending cases show a status of “pending” on the record. The case can stay pending for weeks or months based on the court schedule.
Closed Cases
Closed cases have reached a final outcome in court. The court has issued a judgment or a dismissal. Closed cases still show on the record, but no more court action will happen. The record shows the date the court closed the case.
Dismissed Cases
Dismissed cases have been dropped by the court or the prosecutor. The person was not found guilty in these cases. Dismissed cases stay on the record but show a non-conviction outcome. Some dismissed cases can be sealed or expunged by court order.
Convicted Cases
Convicted cases ended with a guilty plea or trial verdict. The court found the person guilty of the charge. The record shows the conviction date and the sentence. Convicted cases stay on the record unless they are sealed or expunged.
Acquitted Cases
Acquitted cases ended with a not guilty verdict at trial. The court found the person not guilty of the charge. Acquitted cases stay on the record as a not guilty outcome. The record shows the acquittal date and the court that issued the verdict.
Expunged or Sealed Records
Expunged or sealed records are hidden from public view by court order. Missouri law lets some people ask for an expungement after a set time period. Sealed records can only be seen by the court and a few government agencies. The public cannot view expunged or sealed records through normal searches.
Criminal Records and Public Access
Most criminal records in Missouri are open to the public. State law lets people view arrest and court records unless a court order seals them. You can search public records through the police department, the court, or online portals. Some records stay private based on the type of case or the age of the person.
Publicly Available Records
Public records show arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences for adult cases. You can view these records at the police department or the court clerk’s office. Online portals also show public records. The records list the person’s name, charge, and outcome.
Online Criminal Records
You can search criminal records online through the county’s official portal. The portal shows arrest data, court case data, and conviction data. You can search by name, date of birth, or case number. Online records update each day as new cases come in.
Restricted Information
Some parts of criminal records stay restricted by law. This includes Social Security numbers, home addresses, and phone numbers. Restricted data may also include witness names and victim data. The police department and the court remove this data before showing records to the public.
Sealed Records
Sealed records are closed to public view by a court order. Only the court, the prosecutor, and a few government agencies can see sealed records. Sealed records do not show up in normal public searches. A person can ask the court to seal a record after they meet the legal rules.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile records cover cases where the person was under 17 at the time of the crime. Missouri law keeps most juvenile records private. The juvenile court can seal or destroy juvenile records after the person turns 17. Juvenile records do not show up in public adult searches.
Records Available by Request
Some records need a formal request before the police department will release them. You may need to show ID and pay a fee. Records that need a request include older paper files and full case files. You can ask for these records in person, by mail, or by email.
| Record Type | Public Access | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Adult arrest records | Yes | Online or in person |
| Adult conviction records | Yes | Online or in person |
| Pending cases | Yes | Online or in person |
| Sealed records | No | Court order only |
| Juvenile records | No | Court order only |
| Restricted data | No | Government agencies only |
Obtaining Official Criminal Records
You can get an official criminal record from the St Louis County Police Department or the court clerk. Official records come with a stamp or signature that shows they are real. You may need an official record for a job, a license, or a court case. The records department can give you a copy or a certified copy.
Online Requests
You can ask for a criminal record online through the police department’s website. Fill out the request form with the person’s name and date of birth. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The department will email or mail you the record within a few business days.
Court Record Requests
You can ask for a court record from the St Louis County Circuit Court clerk. Court records include the full case file, motions, and court orders. Fill out the court records request form and pay the copy fee. The clerk’s office will give you the records in person or by mail.
Police Department Requests
Other police departments and government agencies can ask for criminal records through official channels. County police, state police, federal agencies, and prosecutors can all request records. These requests go through inter-agency mail or secure data systems. Agency requests do not need a fee from the public side.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the Central Police Records office to ask for a record in person. The office sits at 7900 Forsyth Blvd. in Clayton, Missouri. The records staff will help you fill out the request form. Bring a valid photo ID and the search facts about the person or case.
Certified Copies
A certified copy is an official record with a stamp or seal from the issuing agency. You need a certified copy for many legal and job-related uses. The police department and the court clerk can issue certified copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies because of the stamp and signature work.
Fees and Processing Times
The records department charges a fee for each search and copy. The fee depends on the type of record and the number of pages. Most requests take 3 to 5 business days to process. Rush requests may take 1 to 2 business days for an extra fee.
Criminal Record Accuracy and Limitations
Criminal records can have errors that you should watch for. Common errors include wrong names, wrong dates, and duplicate entries. The data comes from many sources, and mistakes can happen during data entry. You should check the record against other sources when you can.
Verifying the Correct Person
You need to make sure the record matches the right person. Check the full name, date of birth, and other facts on the record. A wrong match can happen when two people share a name. The date of birth is the best way to tell two people apart in the system.
Common Name Matches
Common names like John Smith or Mary Johnson can lead to many matches. The system will show every case with that name. You need to check each match to find the right person. The date of birth, middle name, or address can help you pick the right match.
Matching Case Numbers
A case number is the most exact way to find one case. Each case has a unique number from the court. You can find the case number on court papers or a police report. Always check the case number twice before you start a case number search.
Duplicate Records
Duplicate records happen when the same case shows up more than once in the system. The duplicates come from data entry errors or system updates. The records department can fix duplicate records when you point them out. Always report duplicates so the system stays clean.
Outdated Information
Some records show data that is no longer current. A case may have been dismissed or expunged, but the record still shows the old outcome. The records department updates the system each day. New data can take a few days to show up in the online portal.
Missing Records
Some records may be missing from the system. Older paper records may not have been added to the digital system yet. Court orders and expungements may not show right away. You can ask the records department to search the paper files for missing cases.
Differences Between Record Sources
Different agencies keep different parts of a criminal record. The police keep arrest data. Residents can also access official criminal court records to verify current details. The court keeps case and sentence data. The corrections agency keeps incarceration data. You may need to check all three sources to get the full picture of a case.
Search Problems
Search problems can stop you from finding the records you need. Common problems include wrong names, missing dates, and outdated data. Knowing these problems can help you fix them and finish your search. You can also call the records department for help when you get stuck.
No Record Found
A “no record found” message means the system did not find a match for your search. The person may have no criminal history in St Louis County. The search facts may be wrong. Try a different search type or check the spelling of the name.
Incorrect Name or Spelling
A wrong spelling can stop a name search from working. Try common spellings and alternate spellings. The person’s name may have changed due to marriage or court order. Use the date of birth to confirm you found the right person.
Incorrect Case Number
A wrong case number will lead to a “no record found” message. Case numbers have a set format set by the court. Check the number against any court papers you have. The records department can help you find the right case number.
Wrong County or Jurisdiction
A search in the wrong county will not show cases from other counties. St Louis County records only cover cases within the county limits. The city of St. Louis has a separate court system. You need to search the right county for your case.
Missing Search Facts
Missing search facts can stop you from finding the right case. You may need a full name, date of birth, or case number to start. Try to gather as many facts as you can before you search. The records department can help you find missing facts.
Restricted Records
Some records are restricted and will not show up in a public search. Sealed records, juvenile records, and expunged records stay hidden from the public. Only a court order can open these records. You may need to ask the court for access in special cases.
Delayed Updates
New data can take time to show up in the search system. Court orders, dismissals, and expungements may not show right away. The records department updates the system each business day. Wait a few days and try the search again if you just missed an update.
- No record found
- Wrong name spelling
- Wrong case number
- Wrong county or jurisdiction
- Missing search facts
- Restricted or sealed records
- Delayed database updates
Criminal Records and Related Searches
Criminal records are part of a larger set of public records. You may need to search other record types to get the full picture of a person’s history. Court records, arrest records, and jail records all carry different facts. Background checks pull data from many record sources.
Criminal Records vs. Criminal History
A criminal record is one case file for one arrest or court action. A criminal history is the full list of all criminal records for one person. A criminal history pulls data from many cases across many years. Background checks often use a criminal history rather than a single record.
Criminal Records vs. Criminal Court Records
A criminal record covers the arrest and the police side of the case. A criminal court record covers the court side of the same case. The court record shows motions, hearings, pleas, and verdicts. You need both records to see the full picture of a case.
Criminal Records vs. Arrest Records
A criminal record covers the full case from arrest to outcome. An arrest record only covers the arrest itself. The arrest record shows who made the arrest, when, and where. The criminal record adds the charge, the court, and the final outcome.
Criminal Records vs. Background Checks
A criminal record is one case file from one agency. A background check pulls data from many records across many agencies. Background checks also pull data from credit files, employment files, and other public sources. A criminal record is just one piece of a full background check.
Criminal Records vs. Jail Records
A criminal record shows the court side of a case. A jail record shows the time a person spent in jail. Jail records list the booking date, the release date, and any incidents during the stay. Jail records come from the county jail or the state corrections agency.
Criminal Records vs. Public Records
Criminal records are one type of public record. Public records also include birth records, marriage records, property records, and court records. Criminal records only cover cases that went through the criminal justice system. Other public records cover civil cases and personal events.
- Criminal records show arrests, charges, and convictions.
- Court records show civil cases and criminal cases.
- Arrest records show police bookings only.
- Jail records show time spent in custody.
- Background checks pull data from many sources.
Contact the St. Louis County Police Department Records Unit
You can reach the Central Police Records office by phone, email, mail, or in person. The records staff can help you with searches, certified copies, and questions about case files. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, except for county holidays.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 314-615-5317 |
| ContactPD@stlouiscountymo.gov | |
| Address | 7900 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105, Room B-013 (Records Room) |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:30 PM (excluding holidays) |
| Official Website | https://www.stlouiscountypolice.com/resources-services/records-and-permits/ |
| Records Portal | https://www.stlouiscountypolice.com/resources-services/records-and-permits/central-police-records-services/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
St Louis County MO criminal records contain arrest, charge, and court information for anyone processed through the county justice system. The Central Police Records service lets residents, employers, and attorneys pull this data quickly. Accessing the records helps verify identity, support hiring decisions, and provide legal proof of outcomes. You can search by name, case number, date of birth, or other identifiers. The office answers calls, accepts email requests, and handles in‑person visits during regular business hours. Below are the most common questions and step‑by‑step answers.
How can I search St Louis County MO criminal records by name?
First, visit the Central Police Records web page. Then enter the person’s last name, first name, and date of birth in the search fields. After submitting, the system returns any open or closed records linked to that name. If multiple matches appear, review the birth dates to select the correct individual. You may download the result as a PDF or request a mailed copy. The service is available 7 days a week, and results appear within minutes for most queries.
What steps are needed to request a St Louis County MO?
Start by locating the case number on a court docket or police report. Next, go to the records‑room portal and choose the “search by case number” option. Input the full case number exactly as printed and press submit. The system pulls the complete file, including arrest details, charges, and disposition. If the case is sealed, you will receive a notice of restriction. You can request a printed copy in person or ask for it to be mailed to the address on file. Processing typically finishes the same business day.
Where do I find St Louis County MO criminal records online?
Visit the St Louis County Police Department’s official records page at the URL provided in the department’s contact section. The page hosts the Central Police Records portal, where you can run searches by name, date of birth, or case number. The site also links to the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site for state‑wide checks. All searches are free of charge for open records; a small fee applies for certified copies. The portal is secured with HTTPS and works on desktop or mobile browsers.
Can I look up St Louis County MO criminal records using date of birth?
Yes, the date‑of‑birth field is a key filter in the Central Police Records system. Begin by opening the “search by date of birth” tab on the portal. Enter the month, day, and year, then add the last name if known. The system matches the birthdate against all records in the county database and returns any matches. Review each result to confirm the correct individual, especially when common names appear. This method helps narrow results when only a birthdate is available.
How do I obtain a certified copy of a St Louis County MO?
First, decide whether a name‑based or fingerprint‑based search is required. Most employers accept a name‑based report, which you can order online and pay the $15 fee. For jobs that need a fully certified history, submit a fingerprint card (FD‑258) with the $20 fee and request a notarized copy by adding $5. Send the package to the records room address or bring it in during office hours. The certified copy will include a seal, the officer’s signature, and a notary statement, making it valid for any background‑check requirement.